Miami Hurricanes: Thomas, Osborn Lead Dynamic WRs

The Miami Hurricanes continue their first full week of Fall camp and competition across the roster is heating up.

That competition is exactly what Manny Diaz is looking for if pictures tell a thousand words.

𝘦𝘯𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦

ᴇɴʜᴀɴᴄᴇ

E̳N̳H̳A̳N̳C̳E̳

Yeah, the head man loves competition on Greentree. pic.twitter.com/XJHW0FQZY6

— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) July 29, 2019

In the sweltering South Florida sun the smile on Diaz says a lot.

The pads came on Tuesday and the competitive tone has been set.

Among those competitors are the wide receiver corps, a group with a mix of established performers and exciting prospects.

Thomas Brings All-Purpose Productivity

Jeff Thomas comes off a sophomore season where he began to put it together.

And then it all fell apart.

Thomas was dismissed from the team at the end of 2018, but Diaz brought him back for a reason.

His next-level speed separates him in the open field, whether on receptions or returns.

🚨🚨NEW EPISODE 🚨🚨

Talking 🏈🏈🏈 with @Andrew_Ivins and David Lake of @247Canes

Of course the QB’s, but also..

-impact of Silvera injury
-how OL is stacking up
-guys who have caught our eyes
-Enos offense and morehttps://t.co/G4RS8xpnTg

— 5Rings_Canes (@5Rings_Canes) August 1, 2019

Consistency at quarterback hurt his productivity in terms of touchdowns late in the season.

After making house calls in two of his first three games, he only found the end zone once via reception the rest of the season.

Despite that, Thomas was still second on the team with a healthy 16.1 YPC average and led them with 563 receiving yards.

If someone can get him the ball in space and on time, he is poised for a breakout junior season.

Another Exciting Transfer

Tate Martell isn’t the only high profile transfer making his way to Coral Gables.

Redshirt senior KJ Osborn joins the Hurricanes after four seasons at Buffalo, where he was one of the top receivers in the MAC.

He and his fellow transfer Martell seem to be starting off well.

Wow! Martell to KJ Osborn, who bring in the one-handed grab pic.twitter.com/IFlnyS6klw

— Gaboowins (@GabyUrrutia22) July 27, 2019

His experience will help a young receiving corps and his productivity hit career marks in receptions (53), yards (892) and touchdowns (7) last season.

Who Will Break From the Pack?

Beyond Thomas and Osborn is a group of exciting playmakers fighting for an opportunity. Junior Mike Harley was tied for third on the team with 21 receptions last year, while Dee Wiggins showed promise as a freshman in limited action on offense.

Sophomores Brian Hightower and Mark Pope will also be fighting for reps and touches during the season. The wide receiver group is one of the deepest on the team, it will be interesting to see who steps up among the second tier.

Make sure to follow us on Twitter @SportsWaveDave and @5ReasonsSports.

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